RETIRED politicians who served the community for almost half a century are in line for top honours.

Ex-Mayor and Higher Fold resident Jimmy Jones and his former council and Labour colleague John Hession, from Westleigh, will be rewarded on August 9 when they are made honourary aldermen.

Mr Jones, 73, of Lowther Drive won a seat on Leigh Borough Council in 1972, but in 1975 -- after local government reorganisation -- he lost his Wigan Council seat.

He won it back in 1979 and represented Bedford Astley ward through until his retirement this year.

The former colliery worker, who nurtures a dream to see Astley Green as the region's mining heritage centre, was Mayor in 1987-8.

Ex-collegue John Hession, 71, served on the Council's housing, social services, establishment, public protection, planning and development and police liaison bodies.

He chaired the local transport users' group and was area delegate on the regional ROSPA accident prevention group and played a major part in securing a door-to-door Ring and Ride bus service.

Mr Hession, of Eva Street, represented voters in Hope Carr and Leigh Central wards.